A Scottish health board has launched an investigation into claims that nursing staff were abusive and “cruel” towards patients at one of its children’s mental health hospitals.
The BBC has spoken to a number of former patients from Skye House, an inpatient unit based on the grounds of Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow, about their experiences.
“We acknowledge some patient experiences have fallen below these standards, and we are very sorry for this”
Scott Davidson
The young women, who were admitted between 2017 and 2024, reported an overuse of force, physical restraint and sedation by nurses.
“I’d say the culture of the nursing team was quite toxic. A lot of them, to be honest, were quite cruel a lot of the time,” one former patient told the BBC’s Disclosure team.
Nurses called patients “pathetic” and “disgusting” as they mocked their self-harm or suicide attempts and made them clean up their own blood, it has been alleged.
It total, the BBC spoke to 28 former patients for its Kids on the Psychiatric Ward documentary.
Dr Scott Davidson, medical director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which runs the unit, said a number of incidents outlined in the documentary were reported at the time and had been investigated, with actions taken in response.
The health board was engaging with the relevant former patients to discuss any incidents that had not previously been reported, added Dr Davidson.
He said, in light of the allegations, the board had launched a “full review of the quality of care” at Skye House and had also asked for an independent review of the unit.
“We strive to treat all our patients with respect, dignity and compassion, and to deliver safe and effective patient-centred care,” Dr Davidson said.
“However, we acknowledge some patient experiences have fallen below these standards, and we are very sorry for this.
“We continue to take any complaints extremely seriously, and we are committed to providing patient-centred care in line with national guidance and mental health legislation.”
